Rail mounted and integrated tie down bracket with engagement jaws for retaining a loss preventing lanyard extending from a rail mounted weapon accessory

ABSTRACT

The present invention teaches a tie down bracket for restraining an extending lanyard associated with a weapon rail mounted accessory. The bracket includes a first body portion supported by the rail and a second body portion releasably engaged to the first body portion. The body portions exhibit opposing surfaces between which is placed a length of the lanyard prior to compressing the body portions against one another to engage and fix the lanyard.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/530,435 filed Sep. 2, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses multiple variants of a tie down bracket (including both rail mounted and integrated variants) with engagement jaws or pincers for grabbing and restraining an extending lanyard associated with a weapon rail mounted accessory. Additional features include such as a pivotal clamping element which is mounted to a first location of a supporting rail associated with a weapon. In this fashion, the bracket engages and retains a loss preventing lanyard (such as including a polymeric coated cable with a metal core) extending from a rail mounted accessory and such that, in the event the accessory disengages from its rail mounted location, the lanyard is securely retained so as to prevent loss of the accessory.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELEVANT ART

The relevant art teaches an elongated rail which is capable of mounting atop a firearm. The rail is configured for receiving any of a number of weapon mounted accessories, such as gun scopes, infrared or laser directional or range finding devices, and the like. One disadvantageous aspect of use in dynamic environments includes inadvertent disengagement of the accessories from the top extending rail, often resulting in damage or loss of the accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention teaches a tie down bracket for restraining an extending lanyard associated with a weapon rail mounted accessory. The bracket includes a first body portion supported by the rail and a second body portion releasably engaged to the first body portion. The body portions exhibit opposing surfaces between which is placed a length of the lanyard prior to compressing the body portions against one another to engage and fix the lanyard.

Additional features include a pivotal clamping element which is mounted to a first location of the first body portion. A detent projects from a forward face of the first portion to clamp to the rail. A bolt extends from the forward detent to a rear biasing component and, upon rotating the detent between first and second positions, causes the biasing element to draw against and pinch the opposing rear surface of the rail.

A hex bolt extends through mating threaded locations associated with each of said first and second body portions. The first and second body portions further include side by side assembleable portions with alternating widthwise displacement pins and aligning seating apertures. At least one tie-off aperture is defined in a selected body portion for receiving a looped end of the lanyard.

In a further configuration, at least one of the body portions is integrally defined with the rail and receives the other body portion in engaged and clamping fashion. The body portion is further recessed mounted with respect to an accessory mounting surface of the rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional weapon supported rail, such as a “Picatinny” style rail, and further depicting a tie down bracket with upper and lower engaging portions, over and around which is compressed a cam-style pivoting clamping element according to one non-limiting embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1A is a partial environmental view of a given weapon mounted accessory with extending lanyard which is engaged by the tie down bracket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a succeeding view to FIG. 1 and further showing the pivotally associated cam lever in the open position;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and depicting the hex bolt engaged upper locking portion and lower rail mounting portion, between which are defined undulating/serrated mating surfaces for facilitating compressed engagement of the accessory extending lanyard shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of a two piece tie down bracket according to a further non-limiting variant mounted atop a weapon supporting “Picatinny” style rail;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the bracket shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the two piece bracket shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the two piece bracket shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a length cutaway of a weapon supporting rail incorporating an integrally formed and recessed tie down bracket according to a yet further non-limiting variant; and

FIG. 9 is a top view of a further related and fixed tie down bracket according to another variant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a first variant of the present invention discloses a tie down bracket, generally at 10, with engagement jaws and pivotal clamping element which is mounted to a first location of a supporting rail, depicted generally at 2 and including such as an aluminum component incorporated into the weapon (not shown but understood to include any of a type suitable for supporting the rail and such as which can further include a conventionally known “Picatinny” style rail).

As further shown in FIG. 1A, a selected rail mounted accessory (see for example ACOG gunsight 4) is depicted and includes an extending and safety/loss preventative lanyard 6 which is compressingly engaged at a remote end by the bracket 10. The lanyard 6 can further include a polymeric coated cable with a metal core and, in the event the accessory disengages from its rail mounted location, the lanyard is securely retained so as to prevent loss of the accessory. Further depicted in FIG. 1A is a primary mount carriage 8 of the accessory 4 and which is engaged to a location of the weapon rail 2, such as in proximity to the mountable tie down bracket 10 and in such a fashion that the bracket size and dimension does not interfere with the operators use of the accessory.

This improves on the current practice of securing the weapon accessory using a length of cord to tie down the accessory and tie it off to such as the barrel or to wrap the cord around the hand guard, as such method relies upon the operator's ability to tie a secure knot that can withstand the abuse of combat. It has also been found that, during extended shooting events, the weapon barrel tends to heat to a level which can cause melting of nylon cords.

Referring again to FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2 and 3, the tie down bracket includes a first lower rail mounting portion 12 an upper engageable and locking portion 14. The lower 12 and upper 14 engageable portions, along with pivotally associated cam lever 16 secured to a rubberized bumper portion 18, each includes a suitable durable metal or (in some instances) an impact and heat resistant polymeric/thermoset material.

An underside profile of the lower portion 12 (see forward edge locator profile 19 with recessed underside 20) is further such that it seats the lower portion at a dedicated lengthwise location of the rail 2. A ball and slot detent 22 projects from a forward face of the lower portion 12 and is engaged (such as by rotating) in order to clamp the main lower body to the rail 2. Although not clearly shown, a bolt (see in phantom at 25 in FIG. 1) extends from the forward detent 22 to a rear biasing component (such as the rubberized element 18) and, upon rotating the detent between first and second positions, causes the biasing element to draw against and pinch the opposing rear surface of the rail 2, thereby affixing the bracket 10 in a fashion which prevents its accidental disengagement. In this fashion, the bracket establishes a rigid anchor point which can be removed (upon rotating the detent 22 to an unlocked/removal position) and reinstalled when needed without having to reset the cable lengths or tie downs as will be now described.

FIG. 2 depicts the pivotally clamping aspects of the cam lever 16 in the open position and by which a pair of end disposed and downwardly spatially opposing arms 24 and 26 extend. The extending arms 24 and 26 include seating apertures (see inner perimeter channels exhibited by walls 28 and 30, respectively in arms 24 and 26) and are disengaged from engaging nubs (of which a first at 32 is evident with an identical nub being located on an opposite hidden face proximate a forward upper side location of the main body 12).

As is also depicted in the cutaway view of FIG. 3, a hex bolt 34 extends through aligning sets of interior threads formed through both a generally central interior location of the upper locking portion 14 and lower main rail engaging portion 12. Also depicted in FIG. 3 are opposing and mating undulating or interlocking/serrated surfaces, at 36 and 38, for facilitating compressed engagement of the accessory extending lanyard 6 shown in FIG. 1A.

In use, the hex bolt is loosened a sufficient degree to permit insertion of a length of cable 6 between the undulating or serrated surfaces, following which the hex bolt is tightened to compress and grip around the lanyard, thereby preventing it from being disengaged. Following this, the pivot lever or cam 16 is rotated, such as around lower pivot point 40, in order to reseat over the main body 12 in a biasing fashion and so that the lever covers and obscures the upper hex bolt 34.

Utilization of the dedicated tie-down point enables the operator to thereby utilize a length of lanyard/cable exhibiting a metal core and which will otherwise not be affected by the generated heat of the barrel and will be maintained intact during use. It is further understood that the tie down kit and bracket can be removed and remounted to the rail 2 without having to set up the cable or cord 6 each and every time, and as is otherwise required when employing the traditional tie down method.

The tie down bracket will also be able to accept multiple types of tie down materials (not limited to any specific type or composition of lanyard) and its use further standardizes the process in which a given operator will secure his weapon accessories with resultant increase in weapon readiness. The tie down bracket further ensures that any accessories are not lost in the event the primary rail support mount located at the base of the accessory somehow disengages from the specified rail mounting location.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, an assembled perspective view is depicted at 42 of a two piece tie down bracket according to a further non-limiting variant and which is again mounted atop a weapon supporting “Picatinny” style rail 2. The bracket configuration 42 differs from that shown at 10 in that it includes a pair of side assembleable components 44 and 46, each of which exhibiting a widthwise displaceable engagement bolt, at 48 for component 44 and further at 50 for component 46.

As is best shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5, the bracket half portions 44 and 46 are mirrored opposites of one another and include reciprocal/alternating patterns of width extending recesses (at 52 for assembleable component 44 and further at 54 for component 46) which, upon aligning the components 44 and 46 in the manner depicted in FIG. 4, align to permit the seating bolts 48 and 50 to be inwardly displaced in parallel overlapping fashion. A pair of opposing and inner defining undulating/mating surfaces 56 and 58 are exhibited between the half portions 44 and 46 and which, upon lateral assembly, are compressed (see again FIG. 4) in order to securely grasp and retain an inserted length of lanyard or cable 6 in a similar manner as previously described.

As further depicted in FIG. 4, a further lanyard engagement option can include a modified cord 7 exhibiting a looped end secured within one of a plurality of apertured restraining locations 60, 62, 64 and 66. Following the looped end bend bent around a selected aperture (see at 60 in FIG. 4), a conventional ferrule style element 9 is attached to securely restrain the alternate lanyard 7.

Although not shown, it is further understood that the two piece side assembleable (or clamshell) design of FIG. 4 can be reconfigured such that a first of the halves 44 or 46 is integrally formed with, or otherwise securely attached to, the rail 2. This would further envision an option in which both halves are permanently supported upon the rail 2 however exhibit a degree of lateral separation ability to enable a lanyard 6 to be quickly laid between the opposing mating and undulating (non-linear) surfaces 56 and 58, following which they are quickly and securely compressed shut to grasp and restrain the lanyard 6 therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 8, a length cutaway is shown of a weapon supporting rail, modified as shown at 68, incorporating an integrally formed and recessed tie down bracket (see recessed location 70 with attachment hex bolt 72) according to a yet further non-limiting variant. This variant contemplates a three dimensional seating element (see pseudo triangular shaped element 74) receiving the bolt 72 and being compressed downwardly within the recessed pocket configuration (see recessed and pocket profile 76 within rail) by virtue of aligning thread locations recessed within the rail and underneath the profile 76 for enabling tightening of the hex head 72 to compress an interposed lanyard (not shown) between the element 74 and the recessed pocket 76.

Finally, FIG. 9 is a top view of a further related and fixed tie down bracket, see at 78, according to another variant and which is integrated at a specified linear location of a further designed and weapon mounted rail 80. Without elaboration, the bracket 78 can include a top installable hex head 82 for installing a top sandwiching component over a base component (such as further integrally formed with the rail 80). It is also understood that other clamping or fasteners can be substituted in any manner for securing the bracket 78.

Having described our invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A tie down bracket for restraining an extending lanyard associated with a weapon rail mounted accessory, comprising: a first body portion supported by the rail; and a second body portion releasably engaged to said first body portion, said body portions exhibiting opposing surfaces between which is placed a length of the lanyard prior to compressing said body portions against one another to engage and fix the lanyard.
 2. The bracket as described in claim 1, further comprising a pivotal clamping element which is mounted to a first location of said first body portion.
 3. The bracket as described in claim 1, further comprising a detent projecting from a forward face of said first portion to clamp to the rail, a bolt extending from said forward detent to a rear biasing component and, upon rotating the detent between first and second positions, causing the biasing element to draw against and pinch the opposing rear surface of the rail.
 4. The bracket as described in claim 1, further comprising a hex bolt extending through mating threaded locations associated with each of said first and second body portions.
 5. The bracket as described in claim 1, said first and second body portions further including side by side assembleable portions with alternating widthwise displacement pins and aligning seating apertures.
 6. The bracket as described in claim 1, further comprising at least one tie-off aperture defined in a selected body portion and for receiving a looped end of the lanyard.
 7. The bracket as described in claim 1, further comprising at least one of said body portions being integrally defined with said rail and receiving the other body portion in engaged and clamping fashion.
 8. The bracket as described in claim 7, said at least one body portion being recessed mounted with respect to an accessory mounting surface of the rail.
 9. A tie down bracket for restraining an extending lanyard associated with a weapon rail mounted accessory, comprising: a first body portion supported by the rail; and a second body portion including a pivotal clamping element which is mounted to a first location of said first body portion and is releasably engaged to said first body portion, said body portions exhibiting opposing surfaces between which is placed a length of the lanyard prior to compressing said body portions against one another to engage and fix the lanyard.
 10. The bracket as described in claim 9, further comprising a detent projecting from a forward face of said first portion to clamp to the rail, a bolt extending from said forward detent to a rear biasing component and, upon rotating the detent between first and second positions, causing the biasing element to draw against and pinch the opposing rear surface of the rail.
 11. The bracket as described in claim 9, further comprising a hex bolt extending through mating threaded locations associated with each of said first and second body portions.
 12. A tie down bracket for restraining an extending lanyard associated with a weapon rail mounted accessory, comprising: a first body portion supported by the rail; and a second body portion releasably engaged to said first body portion, said first and second body portions being side by side assembleable portions with alternating widthwise displacement pins and aligning seating apertures and exhibiting opposing surfaces between which is placed a length of the lanyard prior to compressing said body portions against one another to engage and fix the lanyard.
 13. The bracket as described in claim 12, further comprising at least one tie-off aperture defined in a selected body portion and for receiving a looped end of the lanyard.
 14. The bracket as described in claim 12, further comprising at least one of said body portions being integrally defined with said rail and receiving the other body portion in engaged and clamping fashion.
 15. The bracket as described in claim 14, said at least one body portion being recessed mounted with respect to an accessory mounting surface of the rail. 